We love them so much that some of u

We love them so much that some of us sleep with them under the pillow, yet we are increasingly concerned that we cannot escape their electronic reach. We use them to convey our most intimate secrets, yet we worry that they are a threat to our privacy. We rely on them more than the internet to cope with modern life, yet many of us don`t believe advertisements saying we need more advanced services.

Sweeping aside the doubts that many people feel about the benefits of new third generation phones and fears over the health effects of phone masts, a recent report claims that the long-term effects of new mobile technologies will be entirely positive so long as the public can be convinced to make us of them. Research about users of mobile phones reveals that the mobile has already moved beyond being a mere practical communications tool to become the backbone of modern social life, from love affairs to friendship to work. One female teacher, 32, told the researchers: “I love my phone. It`s my friend.”

The close relationship between user and phone is most pronounced among teenagers, the report says, who regard their mobiles as an expression of their identity. This is partly because mobiles are seen as being beyond the control of parents. But the researchers suggest that another reason may be that mobiles, especially text messaging, was seen as a way of overcoming shyness. “Texting is often used for apologies , to excuse lateness or to communicate other things that make us uncomfortable”, the report says. The impact of phones, however, has been local rather than global, supporting existing friendships and networks, rather than opening users to a new broader community. Even the language of texting in one area can be incomprehensible to anybody from another area.

Among the most important benefits of using mobile phones, the report claims, will be a vastly improved mobile infrastructure, providing gains throughout the economy, and the provision of a more sophisticated location-based services for users. The report calls on government to put more effort into the delivery of services of mobile phone, with suggestions including public transport and traffic information and doctors` text messages to remind patients of appointments. “I love that idea”, one user said in an interview. “It would mean I wouldn`t have to write a hundred messages to myself”.

There are many others possibilities. At a recent trade fair in Sweden, a mobile navigation product was launched. When a user enter a destination, a route is automatically downloaded to their mobile and presented by voice, pictures and maps as they drive. In future, these devices will also be able to plan around congestion and road works in real time. Third generation phones will also allow for remote monitoring of patients by doctors. In Britain scientists are developing an asthma management solution, using mobiles to detect early signs of an attack.

Mobile phones may be used in education. A group of teachers in Britain use third generation phones to provide fast internet service to children who live beyond the reach of terrestrial broadband services and can have no access to online information. “As the new generation of mobile technologies takes off, the social potential of the mobile will vastly increase”, the report argues.